Monday, May 14, 2012

Uncorking for Culinary Causes

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience starts May 22-26

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience boosts a number of events sure to delight your palette May
22-26. More than 90 wineries and 80 restaurants (most of which are LRA members) will be on hand during the
Grand Tastings providing tastes of fine whites, reds, roses and champagne from
around the world and tastes of fine New Orleans cuisine. Do you have your tickets?

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundationis
a proud recipient of part of the proceeds from NOWFE which benefits the
ProStart Program. ProStart is a two-year, dynamic curriculum in nearly 50 high
schools statewide that teaches juniors and seniors culinary arts and restaurant
management in preparation of college culinary programs.

The five day celebration kicks off on Tuesday night with the
Ella Brennan Award Dinner and Auction honoring Bill Goldring with a Lifetime
Achievement in Hospitality Award. Goldring’s extraordinary leadership, personal
and professional accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to the
community earned him this recognition.

Wednesday evening, attendees can choose from one of nearly
20 vintner dinners, where premiere New Orleans restaurants are matched up with
a renowned vineyard; they work together to plan menus, ensuring outstanding
food and wine pairings.

Thursday, stroll down Royal Street for a taste of wonderful
cuisine, authentic jazz and sip wine while taking in the sites, fine art,
architecture and antiquities of this historic French Quarter corridor.

Each chef will be assisted by a local culinary student to
create a spectacularly designed cake, to be displayed and tasted at a festive
after party following the Friday Night Grand Tasting. The winning design and
pastry chef will be awarded with a $5,000 prize sponsored by Valrhona.